Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Bali, Indonesia – In a continued effort to enhance international academic partnerships, Prof. Amita B. Sususco and Ms. Marlene S. Zarate from the Department of Languages and Literature (DLL) of Central Mindanao University (CMU) visited Bali, Indonesia, from February 9-14, 2025. Their visit marked another milestone in CMU’s collaboration with Universitas Warmadewa (UNWAR), as they were warmly welcomed by their research partner, Dr. Dra. Ni Wayan Kasni, M.Hum.
The primary objective of their visit was to collect data for the second year of their international joint research titled “Language and Gender in Asian Communities from the Perspective of Tourism Sustainability: A Comparative Study.” The study involves Bukidnon Indigenous People (IP) tour guides from the Philippines and Bali’s Indonesian tour guides as respondents, highlighting the cultural and linguistic dynamics within the tourism sector.
This research initiative stems from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CMU’s College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Languages and Literature and UNWAR. This agreement has fostered multiple academic engagements, including faculty and student exchange programs, research collaborations, and visiting professorships. Further strengthening this partnership, CMU-DLL and UNWAR later formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for specific engagements, such as joint research, extension projects, and foreign language teaching.
The ongoing collaboration between CMU and UNWAR underscores the commitment of both institutions to internationalization. With strong support from CMU’s Office of International Relations, under the leadership of Director Raquelyn J. Dadang, and the proactive CMU administration, the expansion of international academic networks continues to gain momentum.
Before concluding their visit, Prof. Sususco and Ms. Zarate personally met with the University Rector of UNWAR to discuss upcoming initiatives, including the Teachers’ Training on Strategies in Teaching English (Hybrid Platform), to be spearheaded by Dr. Estrella Y. Dacillo. This forthcoming program aims to enhance English language teaching methodologies in both institutions.
The growing partnership between CMU and UNWAR demonstrates the success of international collaborations in higher education. With continuous engagement in academic and research activities, both institutions look forward to further strengthening their ties in the years to come. [Information from Prof. Amita B. Sususco, faculty, CAS]
